Ford's Theatre Hosts Gala 6/6, Tapes America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre Society will host its annual gala on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW). The evening's performance, titled "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre," will be taped for broadcast on the ABC Television Network to air July 2, 2010 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET). "Modern Family" cast member Ty Burrell hosts a star-studded program with appearances by Kelly Clarkson, Renée Fleming, George Lopez, Lionel Richie, Robin Roberts, Dick Van Dyke, Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee from the Broadway Company of "Mary Poppins," The Soldiers' Chorus of the United States Army Field Band, and cast members from the Ford's Theatre production of "Little Shop of Horrors." President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have been invited to attend.

The invitation-only evening will include the presentation of the Ford's Theatre Lincoln Medal to South African human rights activists Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Justice Albie Sachs, whose accomplishments exemplify the character and lasting legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the honorary chair of the gala celebration. Honorary co-chairs are Mrs. Landra Reid, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Mrs. Deborah I. Dingell, Mrs. Abigail P. Blunt, Dr. Sharon Malone and Mrs. Catherine B. Reynolds.

Gil Cates is the executive producer of "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre." Dennis Doty is producer and Paul Miller directs. Michael Seligman is associate producer. Talent Producer is Danette Herman. Bill Conti is Musical Director. The Director of Ford's Theatre Society is Paul R. Tetreault. "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre" is produced by Cates/Doty Productions in association with ABC. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate. (CLOSED-CAPTIONED; broadcast in stereo where available.)

Since its reopening in 1968, more than a hundred years after the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre has been one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital. Ford's Theatre has enthralled visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, please visit www.fords.org.

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